3D laser weld inspection · inline quality control

Precision welding inspection — when pulsed eddy current isn't enough

Real-time multi-technology scanning for weld seam geometry, undercut, reinforcement height, porosity and misalignment on ERW, HFI, LSAW and spiral welded pipe — plus X-ray TDI inspection for internal defects.

Models

The ultimate inspection you'll ever need — when pulsed eddy current isn't enough

When pulsed eddy current fails, this system delivers. Designed for challenging welds where conventional methods produce unreliable results, it provides exceptional robustness and micron-level precision. The technology ensures long-lasting control by detecting macroscopic defects, monitoring scarfing quality and revealing internal flaws with X-ray TDI sensors. Unlike eddy current techniques that struggle with surface conditions or material variations, this solution operates flawlessly even in harsh environments. For pipelines, flat metals and coil joining, it guarantees repeatable weld assessment you can trust for zero-defect production.

Welded pipes — levels of monitoring

External layer

Laser profilometers · 3DS system — complete solution for checking external shape and weld-bead dimensions.

Extremely fast online inspection with latest-generation linear laser scanners → reconstructs the weld-area shape down to micron level.

Highlights macroscopic defects and ensures dimensional accuracy.

Micron resolution · 3D reconstruction
Intermediate layer

X-ray technology · WeldAn system uses TDI sensors + X-ray to detect internal weld defects.

Specifically designed for small-diameter, thin-walled pipes — operates in-line during production.

Highly robust: functions flawlessly even in very harsh environments.

TDI sensors · harsh-environment proof

Flat metals & coil joining — extended inspection

External layer — identical high-precision approach

3DS laser profilometry

Complete solution for external shape and weld-bead dimensions. Ultra-fast inline inspection with linear laser scanners → micron-level reconstruction of the weld area → macroscopic defect detection.

Key benefit

Same micron-precision technology as pipes. Ideal for flat steel strips, plates and weld seams on coils.

Intermediate layer — X-ray TDI (WeldAn)

WeldAn for flat products

Uses TDI sensors and X-ray technologies to detect internal weld defects in-line during production — ideal for flat steel strips and coil-joining applications.

Thickness & robustness

Suitable for flat steel strips up to 6 mm thickness. Highly robust, operates without issues in very harsh environments (dust, temperature variation, vibration).

Internal (pipe) → UT scarfing monitor · bead-removal quality
External (pipe/flat) → Laser profilometer (3DS) · micron 3D shape
Intermediate (pipe/flat) → X-ray + TDI (WeldAn) · internal defects

Weld geometry

  • Reinforcement height:±0.02 mm
  • Undercut depth:±0.02 mm
  • Weld width:±0.05 mm
  • Misalignment:±0.03 mm
  • Porosity detection:>0.3 mm diameter

System integration

  • Interfaces:PROFINET, EtherCAT, OPC UA
  • Output:Pass/fail + measurements
  • Reporting:PDF/CSV with weld profiles
  • Alarms:Audible/visual + PLC
  • Data storage:Full traceability per pipe

3D weld profiling

Complete 360° weld-seam reconstruction with sub-millimetre resolution.

Automated pass/fail

Real-time comparison against API 5L, ISO and customer-specific limits.

AI defect classification

Deep learning for automatic weld-defect identification and classification.

Trend analysis

Monitor weld-quality trends to predict process drift and schedule maintenance.

How 3D laser weld inspection works

Multi-axis laser profiling for complete weld characterisation

High-speed scanning

Multiple laser profilers capture the weld bead at line speed with 2000 profiles per second.

Cross-section analysis

Real-time weld cross-section reconstruction for reinforcement, undercut and width.

Defect detection

AI algorithms identify undercut, porosity, misalignment and surface cracks.

Immediate feedback

Pass/fail output to the operator display and mill control system for real-time correction.

Detectable weld defects

Comprehensive external weld-seam quality analysis

Undercut
Excessive reinforcement
Insufficient reinforcement
Misalignment
Porosity
Concavity
Weld width variation
Surface cracks
Cold lap
Burn-through
API 5L compliant ISO 10893-7 DNV-OS-F101 AWS D1.1

Pipe & tube applications

Weld inspection solutions for all pipe manufacturing processes

ERW / HFI pipe mills

High-frequency weld-seam inspection for casing, line pipe and structural tubing.

LSAW pipe mills

Longitudinal submerged-arc weld inspection for large-diameter line pipe.

SSAW / spiral pipe

Spiral weld-seam inspection for water and gas transmission pipes.

Seamless pipe

Surface inspection and dimensional verification of seamless pipes.

Tube mills

Precision tubing weld inspection for automotive, boiler and mechanical applications.

Finishing lines

Post-heat-treatment weld verification and final quality assurance.

Weld inspection performance

Proven results from global pipe-mill installations

±0.02 mm
Measurement accuracy
99.5%
Defect detection rate
<1%
False rejection rate
3 m/s
Max line speed
100%
Inspection coverage

Resources & documentation

3D laser weld inspection system — complete datasheet

Full technical specifications including sensor configurations, accuracy tables, defect-detection limits and compliance with API 5L, ISO 10893, DNV and AWS standards.

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Weld inspection integration guide

Step-by-step instructions for integrating 3D laser weld inspection with pipe-mill controls, including weld-mill feedback, cut-off optimisation and quality-management system integration.

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Pipe-mill weld quality success stories

Read how leading ERW and LSAW pipe manufacturers reduced weld repairs by 60% and eliminated customer weld-related claims using LGE 3D laser weld inspection systems.

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Ready to improve your weld quality?

Our weld-inspection specialists will analyse your pipe-mill setup and recommend the optimal 3D laser configuration for your weld types, line speeds and quality standards.

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